Richard E. Tansley

DOLGEVILLE – Richard E. Tansley, 84, a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, at Little Falls Hospital.

Born on October 25, 1940, in the town of Danube, New York, Richard was the son of the late Milo and Flora (Elwood) Tansley. He attended and graduated from Mohawk Central School. On November 25, 1972, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Clapper, at the Mohawk Methodist Church. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing on August 18, 2002.

Richard dedicated over 27 years of service to the Cherry Burrell Corporation in Little Falls before retiring. He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Little Falls, where he actively served in various roles. One of the highlights of his faith journey was a mission trip to Haiti, where he found great joy in helping others.

A natural problem-solver, Richard was always engaged in a project, whether fixing a vehicle, lawnmower, bicycle, or any mechanical item that needed attention. He loved the challenge of making things work again and often shared his repaired items with others.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his daughter, Rebecca Perkins, and her husband, Todd; grandchildren, Andrew Perkins and his wife, Emily, along with their children, Brayden and Drew; Samuel Perkins and his fiancée, Bree; and Alexander Perkins. He is also survived by his step-daughters, Diane Giarrusso (husband Don, predeceased), Christine Swartz, and Kim Eckler and their children; step-sons, Peter Tucci, Mark Tucci and Georgia, and Matthew Tucci (wife Sharon, predeceased) and their children. He was predeceased by his stepson, Gary Tucci, and Gary's wife, Joanne, and is survived by their children.

Richard is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Hickerson, Thelma Bladek and husband Jack, Nancy Schneegas (husband Richard “Rick,” predeceased), Beverly Donlon and husband Terry, and Joan Witkowski (husband John, predeceased). He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Tansley, and his wife, Linda. He will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church, 555 Albany Street, Little Falls, NY, with funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev. Chris Wintermute, Pastor. Interment will take place at the St. Johnsville Cemetery.

Following the interment, all are invited to return to the First Baptist Church for a reception, providing an opportunity to gather, share memories, and support one another.

Richard will be remembered for his generosity, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family, faith, and community, leaving a lasting legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. We take great comfort in the words of Scripture: "The Lord is trustworthy in all his promises and faithful in all he does (Psalm 145:13).

Richard’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls, New York. His obituary will appear on the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424.